Hey folks, I recently found a 1980s Yamaha PX-55 turntable for $20 and figured I would give it a go. Only issue with it is that its missing the entire headshell. I figured this would be an easy fix as they’re (mostly) plug and play.

Now I’m looking at universal headshell and realising I may be SOL. The tonearm connector is as picturedas pictured.

Seems there’s no space for the captive pin captive pin on this tonearm. Now, I don’t have a spare headshell to check… Is that pin removable?

Do I need a different type of headshell/will a universal connector even work with this tonearm?

OR

Will I have to replace the tonearm connector to a universal type in order to get it all working nicely?

Any help is appreciated. Happy to discuss as required. I’m somewhat familiar with electronic repairs but new to turntable repairs, parts and terminology.

  • Adm_Drummer@lemmy.worldOPEnglish
    2·
    3 days ago

    Yeah! I think it was a super cool find. I can’t seem to find much info about it online. Manuals included. The most I’ve found PDF-wise are manuals for the AX-55 System which I assume was the main body of that minisystem you mentioned.

    Definitely tracking I need an angled headshell. The picture I used was simply a good clear example of that bayonet/captive pin. Every other system I’ve seen, even my daily driver, use that pin to lock down the headshell with a locknut. I can’t seem to find many systems with a tonearm connection like I have on the PX-55.

    Knowing I need an angled tonearm is part of the battle but I’m finding the uphill portion to be figuring out if the “Universal” standard on modern headshells will mesh with whatever the connection is on this turntable. If they work, then life is easy. I get an angled headshell and nip the pin. If not… $100USD+ for OEM.

    I’ll have to do some poking around for sure. A service manual for this machine would be stellar but I can’t seem to find any online that don’t require putting my credit card onto a sketchy site.

    • Zane@aussie.zoneEnglish
      2·
      2 days ago

      Personally, for a $20 turntable I don’t think it is worth spending $100 on a headshell that you’ll then need to source a cartridge for, unless you’ve got one of the funky red ones or some sentimental reasons for keeping it. I’d be looking for another deck.

      In any case, check the pins in your tonearm against this one

      They also have an aftermarket option which is even cheaper on their site.

      • Adm_Drummer@lemmy.worldOPEnglish
        2·
        2 days ago

        No sentimental reason for keeping it at all. I just think it looks neat! I’m definitely not going to spend $100 for the OEM stuff. That aftermarket part looks just right though. I’ll use that as a basis for my hunt or buy it if nothing comes up local.

        I do luckily have a spare cartridge or two laying about off some other hardware so that’s nice lol

        Also, just to add for the heck of it: $20 CAD so like… 50 cents American basically.

        Thank you so much for your help on this!